Joel H. Watson, Warrensburg, Missouri Father to Carolyn, Janet and Pamela

Joel H. Watson

Joel H. Watson, 86, of Warrensburg, passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, at his home.

He was born March 12, 1928, in Harris, the son of Wade H. and Jocie M. Buckner Watson. On April 19, 1952, at St. Michaels Church in Girard, Kan., he and Marjorie A. Peak were married. She survives at the home.

Joel was a veteran of World War II and served in the U.S. Army from 1945-1947. From 1963-1990 he was the owner and operator of Comfort Engineering Heating and Air Conditioning in Warrensburg. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Warrensburg, Tribe of Mic-O-Say, Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, Warrensburg Optimist Club and a supporter of Boy Scout Troop 400.

Joel is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of the home; three daughters, Janet Lynn Watson and husband, Steve Eisberg, of Kansas City, Carolyn Sue James of Overland Park, Kan., and Pamela Kay Sellers and husband, Samuel, of Keller, Texas; one sister, Belle Fennessey of Jefferson City; five grandchildren, Samantha Watson-Eisberg, Kansas City, Kan., Jocie and Jenna James of Overland Park, Kan., Maxwell Sellers of Keller, Texas, and Samuel Joseph Sellers, Norfolk, Va.; daughter-in-law, Vickie White of Albuquerque, N.M.

He was preceded in death by one son, Robert Allan Watson, on April 21, 2007.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warrensburg, with the Rev. Father Joseph Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Hills Cemetery with full military honors.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time Friday, Nov. 28, at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Elevator Fund and may be left in care of Sweeney Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.

The class of 1973 extends its sincerest condolences and prayers to the Watson family and many friends of Joel.  

Adrian Harmon and Margaret Katherine Harmon, Warrensburg, Mo pass away

Carl Adrian Harmon, husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully Nov. 20, 2014 in Largo, Fla. He was born in Lafayette County, Mo., on July 6, 1919.

Adrian was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Alonzo Harmon and Bonnie Wilson Harmon; sister, Marie Harmon Anderson, Los Angeles, Calif.; brothers, Marshall and Neal Harmon of Warrensburg, Mo.; and his wife of 73 years, Margaret Handly Harmon.

Adrian was a 65-year member of the First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg, a 50-year member of the Corinthian Masonic Lodge #265 (32nd Degree), Life Member of Elks Lodge #673, Warrensburg Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), and volunteered for many community organizations.

Adrian grew up on a 250 acre grain and livestock farm near the Cedar Grove community in southern Lafayette County. After leaving the farm, Adrian and Margaret started their life as entrepreneurs. Their first company was a trucking company specializing in hauling livestock to and from the Kansas City stockyards. Shortly after this successful start up, they moved on to farm machinery and an automobile dealership in Odessa, Mo. Soon they found an opportunity to move to Warrensburg and purchase into the Ford car dealership, becoming friends with A. C. "Gus” Bass, the president of the Citizens Bank of Warrensburg. From this friendship they were offered the opportunity to purchase the controlling interest of the Citizens Bank. Adrian and Margaret decided this was the opportunity they were looking for and sold their successful Ford dealership to partner Jerry Tally, farms and other business interests to purchase the stock in the bank.

From that first stock purchase in 1953, Adrian and Margaret continued to expand their banking investments. By 1972, they had acquired controlling interest in five banks in western Missouri (Warrensburg, Lamar, Liberal, Stover, and Kansas City) and a successful mortgage banking business in Springfield, Mo. The family then formed Central Mortgage Bancshares, Inc. and continued to expand, acquiring the Citizens Bank of Nevada, Mo. The final expansion took place when Central Mortgage Bancshares elected to complete a public offering allowing the company to expand in the Kansas City, Mo. banking market. In 1995, Adrian and Margaret decided it was time to slow down and recommended the company accept an offer to merge with the Mercantile Bancorp of St. Louis, Mo. At the time of the merger, Central Mortgage Bancshares, Inc. had total assets exceeding $700 million dollars.

Adrian and Margaret loved to watch sports and were long time supporters of the University of Central Missouri sports programs. Their interest in education led them to support many academic programs and scholarships culminating with the naming of the Adrian and Margaret Harmon College of Business Administration at UCM in their honor. In addition, they support nursing scholarships through The Research Foundation and math scholarships and graduate business scholarships through the UCM Foundation. Adrian was on the Board of Directors of Powell Gardens and supported the gardens providing the first trolley, supporting the Island Garden and Heartland Harvest Garden. Adrian supported the American Legion Missouri Boys State program from the time he joined Citizens Bank. He not only provided financial support, but he encouraged officers and employees to volunteer their time for the week long program. Adrian and Margaret believed in giving back to the community that provided them with the opportunity to raise their family and grow their businesses.

He is survived by his sons, Lynn A. Harmon (Jacqueline), Tommy D. Harmon (Muffet), and daughter, Deborah Harmon Rankin; eight grandchildren, Monte Harmon (Tammy), Shanna Harmon O’Donnell (Francis), Muffet Harmon Eskra (Todd), Heather R. Rankin, Thomas B. Harmon (Vicki), Meridith Harmon Sauer (Aaron), Ashley Rankin Whobrey (Tim), Dr. Summer Rankin (Ajay); 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 141 E. Gay St., Warrensburg, Mo., at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, under the direction of Sweeny-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.

A visitation will be at 10 a.m. preceding the service.

Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to UCM Foundation, Powell Gardens Foundation, The Research Foundation, First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg, or The Missouri Boys State.

Donations may be mailed in care of the Sweeny-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home, 617 N. Maguire St., Warrensburg, MO 64093.

Margaret Katherine Harmon

Margaret Katherine Harmon

MARGARET KATHERINE HARMON Margaret Katherine Harmon, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully October 4, 2014, in Largo, Florida. She and her husband of 73 years Adrian Harmon were long time residents of Warrensburg before retiring to Florida. She was born in Johnson County, Missouri February 4, 1923 to her parents Edward H Handly, Jr. and Kate Young Handly. Margaret was a 65 year member of the First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg, 50 Year member of PEO Chapter KD, Past State President of the Federated Women's Club, 50 year member of Daughters of the American Revolution and volunteered for many community organizations. Margaret and Adrian were active supporters of the University of Central Missouri sports teams and academic programs. Prior to retirement they would frequently be seen at Mules and Jennies sporting events cheering on their favorite team. Their support of the Adrian and Margaret Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies continues today with scholarship opportunities for graduate students. She loved to go to Powell Gardens and supported the building of Heartland Harvest garden, dedicating the Silo to the Farmers of Missouri. She continued her support in a wide range of activities, including nursing scholarships through the Research Foundation in Kansas City, Math scholarships for students from Stover, Missouri, Missouri Girls Town, The American Legion Missouri Boy's State and the United Methodist Church Foundation. Margaret is survived by her husband, sons Lynn A Harmon (Jackie), Tommy D. Harmon (Muffet), and daughter Deborah Harmon Rankin, eight grand children, Monte Harmon (Tammy), Shanna Harmon O'Donnall (Francis) ,Meridith Harmon Sauer (Aaron), Muffet Harmon Eskra (Todd), Thomas B Harmon (Vicki), Heather R. Rankin, Ashley Rankin Whobrey (Tim), Dr. Summer Rankin (Ajay), 15 great grand children and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ann Handly Bechhold Marr and brother Lynn Y Handly of Warrensburg, Missouri. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 141 East Gay Street in Warrensburg, Missouri, under the direction of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to service time at the church. Interment will follow at the Sunset Hill Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, UCM foundation, Powell Gardens Foundation, The Research Foundation, Missouri Girls Town, First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?pid=172741061#sthash.LAxcgh6f.dpuf

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MARGARET KATHERINE HARMON Margaret Katherine Harmon, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully October 4, 2014, in Largo, Florida. She and her husband of 73 years Adrian Harmon were long time residents of Warrensburg before retiring to Florida. She was born in Johnson County, Missouri February 4, 1923 to her parents Edward H Handly, Jr. and Kate Young Handly. Margaret was a 65 year member of the First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg, 50 Year member of PEO Chapter KD, Past State President of the Federated Women's Club, 50 year member of Daughters of the American Revolution and volunteered for many community organizations. Margaret and Adrian were active supporters of the University of Central Missouri sports teams and academic programs. Prior to retirement they would frequently be seen at Mules and Jennies sporting events cheering on their favorite team. Their support of the Adrian and Margaret Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies continues today with scholarship opportunities for graduate students. She loved to go to Powell Gardens and supported the building of Heartland Harvest garden, dedicating the Silo to the Farmers of Missouri. She continued her support in a wide range of activities, including nursing scholarships through the Research Foundation in Kansas City, Math scholarships for students from Stover, Missouri, Missouri Girls Town, The American Legion Missouri Boy's State and the United Methodist Church Foundation. Margaret is survived by her husband, sons Lynn A Harmon (Jackie), Tommy D. Harmon (Muffet), and daughter Deborah Harmon Rankin, eight grand children, Monte Harmon (Tammy), Shanna Harmon O'Donnall (Francis) ,Meridith Harmon Sauer (Aaron), Muffet Harmon Eskra (Todd), Thomas B Harmon (Vicki), Heather R. Rankin, Ashley Rankin Whobrey (Tim), Dr. Summer Rankin (Ajay), 15 great grand children and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Ann Handly Bechhold Marr and brother Lynn Y Handly of Warrensburg, Missouri. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 141 East Gay Street in Warrensburg, Missouri, under the direction of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to service time at the church. Interment will follow at the Sunset Hill Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, UCM foundation, Powell Gardens Foundation, The Research Foundation, Missouri Girls Town, First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg.

Published in Kansas City Star on Oct. 9, 2014

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Visitation

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Church

Funeral service

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014

11:00 AM

First United Methodist Church

Warrensburg, MO

First United Methodist Church

141 East Gay Street ( Corner of College & Gay Streets)

Warrensburg, Missouri 64093

660-747-8158

Visitation

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Church

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Warrensburg, MO

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ADRIAN AND MARGARET HARMON BUSINESS

GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP 

Established 2006 
The Adrian and Margaret Harmon Business Graduate Scholarship is available through the University of Central Missouri Foundation for a graduate student pursuing a masters degree in the Harmon College of Business Administration. This scholarship is made possible by way of a gift from Adrian and Margaret Harmon of Warrensburg, Missouri. 
SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND: 
Adrian Harmon and Margaret Handly Harmon grew up in a small rural community near Warrensburg, with their family farms just a few miles apart. They were married in July 1941 and have three grown children, eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Adrian graduated from College High School in 1938 and went on to attend Central Missouri State Teachers College in 1939 and 1940 prior to World War II. After his father’s death, he operated the 340-acre family farm until he went into business with his brother. In 1945 Adrian and Margaret formed a partnership with Adrian’s brother and purchased an automobile dealership in Odessa, MO. The Harmons moved to Warrensburg in June of 1949 and purchased the Theodore Shock Ford Agency Business. They partnered with Jerry Tally to form the Harmon Motor Company on July 1, 1949. Two months later they purchased the Ford Tractor and Dearborn Farm Machinery firm from 
Mr. Shock. In May 1950 the Harmons became part owners in the development, construction, and management of Bi-Lo Market, a new local supermarket. In March 1953 they disposed of the various business interests and consolidated holdings in order to take an active part in the management of the Citizens Bank. Adrian became a vice-president of the bank, marking the first time a member of the Cheatham family had not been connected actively with the bank’s management since its founding in 1888. The Harmons continued to purchase banks and by 1972 they had acquired 7 banks and a mortgage banking company in Springfield, MO. The banks merged and operated as Central Mortgage Bancshares, Inc., which later merged into Mercantile Bank Corporation of St. Louis. Margaret and Adrian Harmon are long-time business leaders in the community and have a strong association with the University of Central Missouri. Their tremendous support is evident in their many philanthropic efforts both on campus and throughout the community. Loyal fans for all athletic sports, for years they have supported student athletics, mentoring and assisting with needs within the teams. In 2005 they were inducted into the UCM Athletic Hall of Fame. They also provided a private airplane for university use and eventually gifted both the airplane and hanger to UCM. When the James C. Kirkpatrick Library was being built, they provided a major gift. In 2006 
both Adrian and Margaret were selected by the Beta Gamma Sigma Board of Governors as Chapter Honoree for exemplifying the Chapter’s ideals of honor, wisdom, and earnestness. The Harmons belong to the Presidents Society for UCM and several other clubs and organizations on campus and in Warrensburg. 
The Harmons are extremely interested and supportive of high achieving students. In 2003 Margaret Harmon established an endowed scholarship, the Peg Seifner Mathematics Scholarship, at Morgan County R-1, Stover High School in Stover, MO. The scholarship honors a long-time educator, Peg Seifner, for dedication, inspiration, and preparation in the classroom for outstanding students to excel and be successful in life’s journey. 

Our condolences to  the Harmon family and friends.  Mrs. Harmon was a great citizen to the community and will be missed but not forgotten.  Warrensburg Class of 1973

OBITUARY FOR LUCILLE EMMA RACKERS, Rhonda Gelbach's Mother...

A much loved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Lucille Rackers, 81, of Wardsville, passed away March 7th, 2014 in her home surrounded by family. She was born on March 9th, 1932 to Joseph Sr. and Lucy (Thessen) Kolb. Lucille was a graduate from St. Peters High School. She married the love of her life, Leo, whom she was married to for over 50 years; together they were proud and devoted parents to five children. Lucille volunteered in the St. Stanislaus nurse’s office for many years, and she and her husband Leo were co-founders of Rackers Equipment. Lucille was sharp as a tack, and very smart business woman. Always wanting to make the world around her a better place, she was a committed 4-H leader, a member of Women of Wardsville, a Lady Elk, a lifetime member of the Eagles Auxiliary and most importantly she was a member of the St. Stanislaus Parish which was very near and dear to her heart. Lucille was a woman of strong faith and her Catholic church was immensely important to her. 

OBITUARY FOR LUCILLE EMMA RACKERS

Lucille’s dark brown eyes and contagious smile warmed the hearts of many. She loved fashion, looking stylish, making her friends and family jewelry, and enjoyed shopping with her only daughter. Always up for a good time with her friends, she was an avid card club member and fully enjoyed winning a game of Golf or Blitz any day of the week. Lucille was a talented seamstress and could mend almost anything you sent her way. She cherished the days she was able to quilt with her mother and truly treasured teaching her granddaughters how to cross stitch. One of Lucille’s absolute favorite things was to watch her grandchildren play sports. She could cheer louder and longer than almost any fan in the crowd. Some of her favorite activities included trips to the Lake, going frogging, and her many adventures in Arizona. She will be remembered for one of her most recent accomplishments, becoming The Shuffle Board Champion of Leisure World. There was nothing Lucille hated more than her infamous sweet tooth, which was notably fixed with scoops of nightly ice cream. She was famous for her wonderful, mouth-watering home cooked meals. She made the best sweet spaghetti, chicken noodle soup, and banana bread in all of Wardsville.
Her greatest love was undoubtedly her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, her family always came first. She enjoyed taking care of the people who mattered most to her and she was well known for her nurturing and mothering nature. Lucille touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.
Lucille is survived by her children: Gary Rackers, Michael Rackers and wife Sherry, Wayne Rackers, Rhonda Gelbach and husband Douglas, and Phillip Rackers and girlfriend Denise Fry; grandchildren: Michelle and husband Ryan Sherry, Matthew Rackers, Justin and wife Tara Rackers, Jason Rackers, Nicole Gelbach, Megan Rackers, Austin Gelbach, Amber Bradbury and husband John, and Kelly Firoella; great-grandchildren: Zachary, Zoey, and Allison Rackers, and Harper and Sloane Sherry; siblings: Joseph Kolb Jr. and wife Mary Jane, Twin Brother Louis Kolb and wife Ruth, Agnes Volmert, Norbert Kolb and wife Shirley, and Stanley Kolb and wife Mary. She was preceded in death by her husband Leo Rackers, daughter-in-law Carol Rackers, and brother-in-law Richard Volmert.
Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 2014, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, with Fr. Ignazio Medina officiating. Lucille will be laid to rest at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hospice Compassus, St. Stanislaus School Foundation or The Helias Foundation.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Heartfelt sympathies go to out to Rhonda, Doug, the children, extended family and friends from the Class of 73.

David Lee Tackett, Warrensburg, MO, Funeral Friday February 28 First Christian Church 2pm

Dave Tackett, Warrensburg, MO

David Lee Tackett

David Lee Tackett, 67, of Warrensburg, died Sunday, Feb. 23, at Western Missouri Medical Center.

Funeral services were Friday, Feb. 28, at the First Christian Church Sanctuary in Warrensburg with Pastor Jerry Basye officiating.  Pallbearers were Ed Shanks, Mike Haller, Jason Shanks, Casey Laws, Tom Crate and Clayton Gates.

Interment followed at Sunset Hill Cemetery with full military honors provided by Warrensburg American Legion Post 131 and VFW Post 2513.

He was born Oct. 21, 1946, in Warrensburg, the son of Robert and Marjorie (Halley) Tackett.

David graduated from the University of Central Missouri. He joined and served in the U.S. Navy for six years. After his military service, David then returned to the family farm and turkey operation here Warrensburg. He was an active member of the Warrensburg American Legion Post 131, Warrensburg Lion’s Club, Warrensburg First Christian’s Campbellite Dinner Ministry, and the Foods Resource Bank. David was a fan of UCM sports, especially Jennies basketball.

He is survived by his mother, Marjorie Barry, of Warrensburg; two sisters, Dee Anne Shanks of Bend, Ore.; and Deborah Haller of Warrensburg; four nieces, Julie Haan of Flower Mound, Texas; Amy Gates of Dallas, Texas; Carrie Laws of Warrensburg; and Sarah Crate of Wake Forest, N.C.; one nephew, Jason Shanks of Suwanee, Ga.; and nine great-nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions are suggested to American Legion Post 131 or the Warrensburg First Christian Church Building Fund and both can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg.

David Lee Tackett, age 67, passed away Sunday, February 23. 
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 28, at the First Christian Church Sanctuary in Warrensburg. 
Internment will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery with full military honors provided by Warrensburg American Legion Post 131. 
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at the Warrensburg First Christian Church Family Life Center. 
Memorial contributions are suggested to American Legion Post 131 or the Warrensburg First Christian Church Building Fund and both can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg.
Dave was a veteran serving in the United States Navy and was an instructor at the Naval Nuclear Power School, nuclear engineering, in Idaho Falls, ID.  After he left the Navy he was a farmer and active many years running the family turkey farm which handled up to 170,000 turkeys each year.  
Our condolences to Marge, Dee Ann, Debbie , extended family and friends.
We have many good memories of Dave, from from his 4th of July " cherry bomb specials" to our camping trips with the Warrensburg Canoe Club, Rusty Zippers Coffee Club, or just catching up him on the street.....he will be missed.

Dave Tackett, Warrensburg, Missouri
US Navy Veteran

Dave Tackett, Bottom Row Left, Warrensburg, MO

Brenda M. Nelson Has Passed Away Christmas Day 2014 Beverly "Bev" Walton Nelson, Warrensburg, Missouri Passes Away

Brenda M. Nelson

Brenda Marie Nelson, 54, originally of Warrensburg, Missouri, died Thursday, Dec. 25.

Brenda M. Nelson, Warrensburg, MO

Brenda M. Nelson

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church  in Warrensburg with the Rev. Terrence Moody officiating.

Internment will follow at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at the Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg.

She was born on March 17, 1960, to her loving parents, Herb and Beverly Nadine (Walton) Nelson. Their only child was the apple of their eye for several years, and then she was joined by her brother, Darlwin, and sister, MeShell, who completed a close family circle. Her dear mother, Beverly, died in 2012. She is survived by Herb, Darlwin, MeShell and niece, Morgan Leigh, and a host of cousins and friends.

Baptized by Reverend Ellis, Brenda was a member of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Congregation. Brenda grew up in Warrensburg, spending much time at her Aunt JoAnn Collins’ with her cousins Sherry, Phyllis, Jackie and Gwennie, while her father worked in Kansas City and her mother worked at home as a beautician. Sherry remembers that Brenda’s spirit gave her the courage to participate in many school activities. Brenda and Lisa Irle shared “girl of the month” honors from the Business and Professional Women’s organization in 1977. A 1978 graduate of Warrensburg High School, she was in Girl Scouts, pom poms, chorus, band and swing choir. While attending UCM, she also worked as a broadcaster at KOKO radio with Marion Woods and Sen. David Pearce. Her other radio work was at KMBC Radio in Kansas City and KJLH – Steve Wonder’s station in L.A.

In the early 1980s, Brenda moved to Kansas City, Mo., and took the city by storm. Beautiful inside and out, she found work as an artist and fashion model, appearing several times in paintings and in photo essays in the Kansas City Star. One photograph even found its way to the book jacket of Jewell Parker Rhodes’ “Voodoo Dreams” from St. Martin’s Press, inspiring a meeting of Brenda with the author at a local book signing. An actress, she performed with the Late Night Theatre Troupe in several plays including one of their first musicals — “Voodoo Annie.” She was a featured extra in musical scenes in Robert Altman’s movie, “Kansas City.”

Brenda aced the classes at MTTI and had been a working licensed massage therapist for five years. Then, after many years working in the fine dining world, Brenda formed a partnership with Eddie Osborne and the two of them had been running Cafe’ Thyme at Powell Gardens for two years. The year 2014 was filled with nature’s beauty and bounty and she loved arriving early at the gardens to pick produce for the day’s specials. She really enjoyed creating her soups, casseroles, desserts and infused waters. The patrons of the café enjoyed a lovingly created lunch. During the past year, she had been asked to demonstrate her techniques at the Harvest Garden there.

Brenda had many friends and she enjoyed art, traveling, dancing and music of all kinds. She moved a number of times, living in midtown and downtown KC. It seemed wherever Brenda moved, that was the next up-and-coming neighborhood. She was rarely far from the excitement. Social media was made for this wonderful woman. Her Friday jokes became an institution, and she enjoyed posting photos, especially of friends, to Instagram and Facebook. Our dear daughter, sister, friend, a shining star has moved to heaven.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Beverly Nelson Scholarship Fund and can be left in care of the funeral home.

Beverly Walton Nelson

Beverly "Bev" Walton Nelson passed from this life into the next on Oct. 7, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Irene Walton, her sisters, Joan Thomas and Sandra Bratton. Born on Jan. 13, 1940 in Wellington, Beverly is survived by her husband, Herbert Nelson and her children, Brenda, Darlwin, and MeShell and her cherished granddaughter, Morgan; her brother, Joseph Walton Jr. and sister, Eleanor Mason and many in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins. Beverly's young life was spent there with her loving family where she graduated from Wellington High School and played for the Wellington Girls Tigers Basketball Team. She worked at Lexington Laundry and attended the Ilene Jefferson Beauty Academy. Herb Nelson came into her life and they were married on June 27, 1959. In Warrensburg, Missouri she worked at Foster's Dry Cleaning and Whiteman Air Force Base at the Base Exchange. Married to Herb for 52 years, she was a devoted mother, and a great supporter of her children throughout their lives, and especially a staunch fan of many Tiger basketball, football, track, cross country and Pom Pom teams, as she supported the efforts of her children as they grew. Beverly worked as a beautician in her home for over 50 years and still she opened her home to many nieces and nephews, neighborhood children and friends. She was a mother to many who needed help in many ways and who would ask for her assistance, never expecting any return but love. Bev's favorite pastimes were playing community volleyball and softball with her favorite team the Soul Sisters. Beverly was a cherished school bus driver, winning Bus Driver of the Year for the Warrensburg Public Schools (Ryder Bus Company) and then Apple Bus company until just last year, May 2011. Beverly liked to collect frogs, and people have filled her house with them to her great joy. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Sweeney-Phillips and Holdren Funeral Home. A celebration of Beverly's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Warrensburg. Burial will be at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Jerry Lee Stockton Passes Away July 31, 2014. A friend to all.

Jerry Lee Stockton obituary

Jerry Stockton, Warrensburg, MO

Jerry Lee Stockton, 58, died at his home in Warrensburg, Missouri, on July 31.

Services were Saturday, Aug. 2, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home inWarrensburg. Jerry was laid to rest in Warrensburg Memorial Gardens, immediately following the funeral. Pallbearers were Doug Mitchell, Martin Robbins, Larry Stockton, Scott Stockton, Dale Smith and Steve Erisman. Honorary pallbearers were Gerald Stockton and Jack Stockton.

Jerry was born on Sept. 5, 1955, in Centerview, Missouri, and was a life-long resident of this area. He attended College High School and graduated in 1973.

For the last 40 years, Jerry worked as a plumber with ECI Mechanical and worked on his family farm, north of Warrensburg, for his entire life. He was often seen astride his four-wheeler, white shirt flying behind him, colorfully chastising the cattle as he drove between fields and on gravel roads. Jerry was the first person you’d call if you were in a bind; if your tractor was stuck, if you needed to be dug out after a snowstorm, or if you just needed an extra hand with some heavy-lifting. Jerry was a loyal and steadfast friend and neighbor; the “old school” variety.

Jerry Stockton, Warrensburg, MO

Jerry was an industrious worker from dawn until dusk. Not until all the chores were done, all the hay baled, all the cows fed, did he relax; sitting outside with his dog, Katy, simply enjoying the breeze. Because he worked so hard, Jerry had a voracious appetite. He could always be counted on to attend parties and gatherings to either start the buffet line or clean it up…and sometimes both. Jerry was a magnificent dancer and enjoyed Western and line dancing. He made quite the striking figure, towering over dance floors while whisking his partner around with an easy grace. Jerry was a member of Northside Christian Church in Warrensburg and attended services as often as he could. Jerry was also a respected member of the Elks Club and enjoyed dining there most Thursday evenings.

Jerry’s survivors include his niece, Jennifer White, and her husband, Dustin, of Morrisville, Missouri; and niece, Heather Hawk, and her husband, Jerrit, of Walnut Grove, Missouri.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, John “JN” Stockton in 1996; sister, Nancy Stockton, in 2007; sister, Christine Petree, in 2008; and mother, Mary P. Stockton, in 2010.

Memorial contributions are welcome in Jerry’s name to the Northside Christian Church in Warrensburg. Donations may be left in care of the funeral home.

College High School Class of 1973  40 year Reunion, Warrensburg, MO

Our condolences from the WHS class of 1973 to the family and friends of Jerry and to the CHS Class of 73.  Jerry was a tall, gentle and kind man who will be greatly missed.  He was a member of Northside Christian Church. We understand that it was farming accident with his tractor. So sad.  Heard so many stories about Jerry and his kindness.  If you would like to share them you can post them here if you like.  One sister passed from cancer and his other was killed in the Joplin tornado.  Heard that he liked to dance at Whiskey Tango in Oak Grove, good for Jerry.

Here are some Facebook comments about Jerry...

He was a Very Good Man!!

• 11 hours ago · Unlike · 2
• 
  

  They didn't come any better than Jerry ,, your right Bruce one heck of a Good Guy. RIP
• 
  
• Jerry you will be missed by many RIP
• Jerry was definitely one of the nicest guys I ever knew.
• Doug & I relied on Jerry nearly every day- for one thing or another...
• Sad to hear. RIP Jerry
• Always had a smile and a hello when I used to see him. So sad. RIP Jerry, you deserve it!

Mary P. Stockton

Mary P. Stockton, 86, of Warrensburg, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at the Warrensburg Manor Care Center.

She was born on Nov. 8, 1923 in Warrensburg to Albert and Robbie (Coats) Latimer.

On Jan. 17, 1943 she married John Stockton Jr., in Warrensburg. He preceded her in death on April 8, 1996.  Mrs. Stockton was a homemaker and a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

Survivors include a son, Jerry Stockton of Warrensburg; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; and two daughters, Christine Petree on May 10, 2008 and Nancy Stockton on Dec. 11, 2007.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg.

Burial will be in the Warrensburg Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers are Larry Stockton, Martin Robbins, Gerald Stockton, Steve Erisman, Mel Miller and Jerry Stockton.  The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Johnson County Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home.